TORONTO. Feb. 18, 2025 – City of Toronto crews and contractors are continuing to work 24/7 to clear snow from roads and sidewalks after 16 to 23 centimetres of snow fell across the city over the weekend, in addition to the 15 to 20 centimetres of snow accumulation from Wednesday’s snowstorm.
The City says crews worked throughout the weekend and will continue to clear all road infrastructure including TTC stops to ensure accessibility, safety and transit reliability.
Snow removal will begin mid-week and is expected to take up to three weeks
Snow removal will begin mid-week and is expected to take up to three weeks, with snow transported by dump trucks to designated storage sites.
As directed by Toronto City Council, snow removal will be done on a priority basis including locations such as main street sidewalks, transit stops, cycling infrastructure, hospitals and emergency services stations, and school bus loading zones, as well as roads with limited space for snow storage. Prioritizing these locations will help ensure safety and accessibility for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, people with disabilities and school students, as well as maintaining access for first responders.
The Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declared on Wednesday will remain in effect until roadways are deemed safe.
Parking remains prohibited on snow routes, which include all streetcar routes. Vehicles parked on snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense and are also subject to a fine of up to $200. To locate a towed vehicle, contact Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2222.
As of Monday morning, Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement has issued 2,393 tickets to vehicles parked on snow routes and 27 vehicles have been towed. The City appreciates the public’s help in keeping snow routes clear for crews and plows to do their job.
A list and map of snow routes are on the City’s website: Snow Removal After Major Storms.
Residents and businesses are reminded to shovel snow onto their own property and avoid shovelling onto the street. Moving snow from private property onto roads, sidewalks and bikeways is illegal and can result in a fine.
Due to the volume of snow and weather conditions, it may take longer than usual to clear city roads and sidewalks. Under the Significant Weather Event declaration, the City is exempt from Provincial service levels for winter maintenance, as per provincial regulations .
Garbage, recycling and organics collection
Garbage, recycling and organics collection is continuing across the city. Residents are asked to follow the regular collection schedule, place bins away from snowbanks and clear snow from around bins to ensure they are accessible from the road. Bins should be left out until collected. Residents are asked to refrain from calling 311 to report a missed collection.
If possible, residents are asked to hold on to oversized and metal items until the next scheduled collection.
The Toxic Taxi (hazardous waste pick up service) will resume on Tuesday, February 18.
Other City programs and services
The City’s Warming Centres remain open. More information is on the City’s Warming Centres webpage.
To help get as many people inside as possible, the City has opened temporary contingency spaces in the shelter system in areas not traditionally used for sleeping. These spaces remain open.
Toronto Zoo is open today. Toronto Public Library branches are closed today for Family Day, as planned.
Several of the City’s museums will be open for special Family Day programming from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is on the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar webpage.
Several recreation centres and indoor pools are offering free swimming and drop-in programs today. More information about which recreation centres and pools are open is on the City’s Family Day webpage.
Outdoor rinks and skating trails (found on Drop-in Skating page) are open until 6 p.m., weather permitting. The Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is open until 9 p.m., weather permitting.
Residents should check the City’s service alerts webpage for updates on indoor and outdoor recreation locations before heading out.
The High Park Animal Display and Riverdale Farm are open until 5 p.m.
Advice for the public
While the Major Snowstorm Condition is in effect, the City encourages the public to leave their vehicles at home and use public transit where possible. Updates will be posted on the TTC and GO Transit websites.
Make sure vents around your home are not obstructed
The public is also reminded to clear snow around their homes, ensuring that vents for dryers, furnaces, water heaters and other heating appliances are unobstructed to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning; and to clear a 1.2 metre radius around fire hydrants for emergency access.
Road users should expect delays, slippery conditions and poor visibility. If driving, slow down, follow at a safe distance and use gentle braking, steering and acceleration. Road users should also keep a safe distance from snow clearing equipment and crews to let them complete their work safely and efficiently.
Follow the City on X to get the latest updates via @cityoftoronto . Residents can view plowing operations as they occur at www.toronto.ca/plow. Please note that some sidewalk details are not currently available on PlowTO.
Toronto has a comprehensive snow response plan that prioritizes the safety and movement of residents. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/snow.
photo by Steve Uhraney
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